Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made startling allegations, claiming that a clandestine “killer squad” of 101 officers was formed while he was still serving in government. Speaking on Wednesday, Gachagua stated that the officers were drawn from the Administration Police Service (APS) and taken through specialised training allegedly coordinated by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
According to Gachagua, the selected officers underwent training in abductions, extrajudicial killings, and cover-up tactics. He alleged that the unit operates directly under NIS Director General Noordin Haji and is responsible for recent violence witnessed during nationwide protests.
“This squad of 101 people was formed while I was still in government,” said Gachagua. “The officers were recruited from the Administration Police unit for special training by NIS on abductions, killings and cover-up.”
The former deputy president made the remarks following the circulation of a viral video from July 7, which showed masked, gun-wielding individuals believed to be law enforcement officers shooting at protesters at an undisclosed location. Gachagua claimed the footage depicted members of the alleged killer squad.
He further alleged that the unit uses unmarked Subaru vehicles to create the illusion that the officers belong to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), thereby misleading the public and masking their true identity and intent.
“A killer squad of 101 that works under the direct command of the NIS was armed with assault rifles and drove in a convoy of unmarked Subarus, shooting and killing innocent protesters aimlessly,” he claimed. “This squad is not DCI. The NIS has procured Subarus to give the impression that this killer gang is from DCI.”
Gachagua’s remarks come amid heightened public concern over police brutality during ongoing anti-government demonstrations. His revelations add a new twist to the growing scrutiny of state security agencies, raising pressing questions about accountability and transparency within Kenya’s intelligence and law enforcement sectors.
As of now, the NIS and the government have not issued an official response to Gachagua’s claims. However, the allegations are expected to spark significant political debate and possibly legal inquiries in the days ahead.
